Increase to and fro visitors to boost ties, China tells India

To foster bilateral ties between the two Asian giants, China today suggested increasing the flow of visitors into the country from India and vice-versa.

"We hope more Indians visit China and also more Chinese come here... as India has so many beautiful tourist sites. This would strengthen the bilateral ties," said Chinese Ambassador to India, Zhang Yan in the backdrop of both the countries celebrating the 60th year of their diplomatic ties.

His suggestion came at an international travel and tourism fair, which kicked off here today.

The ambassador said a Chinese festival in India and an Indian festival in China are scheduled to mark the 60th years of ties.

The fair was inaugurated by Sultan Ahmed, Minister of State for Tourism amid the presence of many dignitaries including ambassadors from China and Thailand.

This kind of fair boosts tourism industry as it offers great opportunity between the buyers and sellers, Ahmed said.

About the forthcoming Commonwealth Games, Ahmed said preparations are in full swing to host the event and "we expect a large number of visitors during the Games".

Besides the participants from 26 countries, there are about 300 participants from 16 states in the fair.